Hungary's second largest city is Debrecen yet this place remains quiet and unknown for the backpacker. It's Hungarian through and through though. A lot of tourists to Hungary tend to skip Debrecen, but here's a few pointers as to why this is a great city to visit and why you should head there!
Things to see and do in Debrecen:
This is a top 5.
1. Go to the top of the Nagytemplom
The amazing yellow church is also called the Nagytemplom and is easily the most memorable part of your trip to Debrecen. It lies in the city centre in front of the main square and is bold and obvious. Debrecen isn't so commercial yet and though shopping malls are arriving with designer brands, the good news is the city is still old fashioned. Head to the top of the Nagytemplom for a cracking view of the city of Debrecen. While the Nagytemplom is the big church, just down the road lies a small church, known as "the little church".
2. Watch the football team Loki play!
Hungary is a football nation through and through. Twice they have been runners up in the World Cup, and though they lost both that is still some achievement! Here in Debrecen you can head to watch the local team known as Loki! They are also called Debreceni VSC and play in red and white. In the last 10 years or so they have been champions and winners of the Hungarian League 6 times. Head out to the stadium to catch a live match - entertaining and loud!
3. Party with the local girls in Debrecen
Hungarians like to drink beer. In summer months, the square and the main streets in Debrecen are alive with outdoor beer bars. The Bakelit Music Cafe is one to note down and the non descript beer gardens are much better than you'd ever believe. Hungarian beer is top notch.
4. The Theatre
Debrecen loves theatre and the splendid Csokonai Theatre has played host to performers such as Riverdance, the Noemi Linzenbold Show and the Sound of Music in recent years. It is a truly great place to enjoy theatre, dance or indeed music.
A statue of Csokonai sits in front of the main square.
5. Get a tram out to the University
Debrecen boasts a decent university and this also goes hand in hand with a good student population and night life. The University itself, is "just a university" but it's free to walk around and nearby there is a superb park which makes for a good walk, with stalls and restaurants all selling decent Hungarian snacks and drinks. As I said, get a tram out to it - the tram network in Debrecen is good. In fact, you'll enjoy it.
One final thing to do:
There is a Museum in Debrecen, but it's not that great in all honesty, however if you fancy seeing it, then why not? It's the Deri Museum and situated in the city centre near the big yellow church.
How do you get to Debrecen in Hungary?
Most of the tourists will be visiting from Budapest by train or bus. But another option is coming in from Romania as you are close to the border.
But before getting my train I flew into Budapest which is also worth a look.
Where can you stay in Debrecen?
Now I was there with a local girl so I stayed with her family in a wonderful tower block on the edge of the city. But there are lots of decent hostels and hotels to choose from.
Random Facts About Debrecen:
- It was once manned by the Romanian army after World War 1
- Debrecen used to be the capital of Hungary!
What to eat in Debrecen:
A definite meal to try is the famous Paprika Chicken and for a snack the cheese and chocolate bars of Turo Rudi are nice.
Why did I go to Debrecen?
So I went there with a girl who was born and bred in Debrecen so I got a really good insight into the city and the culture. Debrecen probably hasn't changed much in the last 20 years - you should check it out. This is one fantastic journey my friends...Safe travels!
Things to see and do in Debrecen:
This is a top 5.
1. Go to the top of the Nagytemplom
The amazing yellow church is also called the Nagytemplom and is easily the most memorable part of your trip to Debrecen. It lies in the city centre in front of the main square and is bold and obvious. Debrecen isn't so commercial yet and though shopping malls are arriving with designer brands, the good news is the city is still old fashioned. Head to the top of the Nagytemplom for a cracking view of the city of Debrecen. While the Nagytemplom is the big church, just down the road lies a small church, known as "the little church".
2. Watch the football team Loki play!
Hungary is a football nation through and through. Twice they have been runners up in the World Cup, and though they lost both that is still some achievement! Here in Debrecen you can head to watch the local team known as Loki! They are also called Debreceni VSC and play in red and white. In the last 10 years or so they have been champions and winners of the Hungarian League 6 times. Head out to the stadium to catch a live match - entertaining and loud!
3. Party with the local girls in Debrecen
Hungarians like to drink beer. In summer months, the square and the main streets in Debrecen are alive with outdoor beer bars. The Bakelit Music Cafe is one to note down and the non descript beer gardens are much better than you'd ever believe. Hungarian beer is top notch.
4. The Theatre
Debrecen loves theatre and the splendid Csokonai Theatre has played host to performers such as Riverdance, the Noemi Linzenbold Show and the Sound of Music in recent years. It is a truly great place to enjoy theatre, dance or indeed music.
A statue of Csokonai sits in front of the main square.
5. Get a tram out to the University
Debrecen boasts a decent university and this also goes hand in hand with a good student population and night life. The University itself, is "just a university" but it's free to walk around and nearby there is a superb park which makes for a good walk, with stalls and restaurants all selling decent Hungarian snacks and drinks. As I said, get a tram out to it - the tram network in Debrecen is good. In fact, you'll enjoy it.
One final thing to do:
There is a Museum in Debrecen, but it's not that great in all honesty, however if you fancy seeing it, then why not? It's the Deri Museum and situated in the city centre near the big yellow church.
How do you get to Debrecen in Hungary?
Most of the tourists will be visiting from Budapest by train or bus. But another option is coming in from Romania as you are close to the border.
But before getting my train I flew into Budapest which is also worth a look.
Where can you stay in Debrecen?
Now I was there with a local girl so I stayed with her family in a wonderful tower block on the edge of the city. But there are lots of decent hostels and hotels to choose from.
Random Facts About Debrecen:
- It was once manned by the Romanian army after World War 1
- Debrecen used to be the capital of Hungary!
What to eat in Debrecen:
A definite meal to try is the famous Paprika Chicken and for a snack the cheese and chocolate bars of Turo Rudi are nice.
Why did I go to Debrecen?
So I went there with a girl who was born and bred in Debrecen so I got a really good insight into the city and the culture. Debrecen probably hasn't changed much in the last 20 years - you should check it out. This is one fantastic journey my friends...Safe travels!
About the Author:
For more stories like Sights in Debrecen Hungary check out the excellent travel website from Noemi Linzenbold for great travel stories and advice.. Also published at Things To See And Do In Debrecen, Hungary.
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